Say Thanks with Perfect Pumpkin Gifts from the Kitchen

 I can’t think of anything more appropriate to take a host or hostess for Thanksgiving than a pumpkin-themed gift. The pumpkin is our most enduring symbol of autumn’s bounty. Native Wampanoag tribesmen introduced pumpkins and other squash to the Pilgrims, who may have roasted some in the fire right along with the game for their now-famous 1621 feast.

In fact, a popular early American rhyme, circa 1633, suggests that pumpkins were as commonplace on colonists’ daily menus as they are on our Thanksgiving menus today. (Apparently, parsnips were likewise widely eaten back then, but they’ve been supplanted by green bean casserole on modern Thanksgiving tables. My veggie-hating grandson would definitely consider this progress!) Notice that the poem uses the archaic English “undoon,” in place of “undone,” to make the rhyming pattern work:

This year I’m going to my son’s house and am contributing both pumpkin quick bread and “painted” pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies
(dough recipe here) to our Thanksgiving feast.

The cookies are cut out with pumpkin shaped cutters and decorated with a quick powdered sugar icing. (I incorporated a teaspoon of light corn syrup to make the glaze glossy.) Because I prefer to minimize the use of food dyes these days, I substituted orange juice concentrate for water, and heightened the hue only slightly for a soft, natural look. The darker accent lines on the pumpkins were created by adding a little cocoa powder to some of the orange icing. Instead of piping, I applied the accents using a small artist’s brush while the icing was still wet. You could use a piping bag and fine tip for this, if desired.
Part of the secret to making any kitchen gift seem special is to present it nicely. Because the cookies are already colorful, I’ve wrapped them individually in plain clear bags and raffia that show them off but don’t compete for attention. (The other advantage of clear bags is that they are easier to find than seasonal ones and can be used any time of year.)  I’m giving out the individual cookies as gifts for the kids this year, but they also make fine Thanksgiving table favors.

The pumpkin mini-loaves (made using the recipe here) can be packaged in several ways: Sometimes, I wrap them in plastic or a decorative cellophane bag, add a tag, and secure them with a festive ribbon. Another possibility for a family that likes to bake is to wrap the loaves, then return them to their baking dishes and give these as part of the gift. (I found the mini-loaf pans at Michael’s several years ago for $1 each!)

Since we’ll have a cozy group of only about eight this year, we’ll probably cut and serve one loaf and save the second to enjoy after the day of feasting is past. A slice makes a lovely snack with a glass of milk or soothing cup of tea–with or without a turkey sandwich!

In case you’re wondering, no, I don’t usually take any pumpkin pies to family Thanksgiving celebrations. My grandchildren love to help get ready for Thanksgiving by making these with their dad.